"The Slight Edge" Book Review
I enjoy reading books that make you want to do better and strive for more. Especially those that give you ways to do exactly that, or at least give you something to really think about. Recently a friend suggested the book to me called "The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success," by Jeff Olson. So this week I took a few days and read this book.
I really liked "The Slight Edge." I'm happy if I read a book like this and get just one good nugget of insight that helps me make improvements. I figure if I get even one out of the book then it is a success. Well, with this book I got numerous good nuggets of information and insight that really made me think.
This book looks a lot at the attitude and philosophy that it takes to be successful. There are some profound lessons in this book that really made me think. For starters, the idea of how people want something immediately, which is not realistic. Yet if we work at it in baby steps we will eventually reach the goal (yet the vast majority of people are not willing to do this). This book makes you think about the choices that you make and whether or not they are leading you closer to success or pushing you further away. It also looks at the habits of successful people, patience, continuous learning, and the importance of taking action.
This book not only gives you plenty to think about, but it gives you practical suggestions on how to take action. One of the most thought provoking parts of this book was the idea of how we tend to behave and become like our five best friends, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have positive attitudes and are headed for success (or are already there). Their attitudes and level of success tends to rub off on you, making it important to choose your friends wisely, and to minimize your time spent with those with negative attitudes. In fact, here's a quote from the book that's worth considering:
"You are the combined average of the five people you associate with most - including the way you walk, talk, act, think and dress. Your income, your accomplishments, even your values and philosphy will reflect them."
The book also discusses finding a "mastermind" group of like-minded successful people to associate with (and the importance of doing so). That makes me want to find one to join!
From taking baby steps toward success to maintaining a postive attitude and beyond, this book is well worth reading. If you want to be successful (at anything) I highly recommend adding it to your "to read" list.
- Jacqueline
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